Robb Talbott issued a letter of resignation to the Panida Theater Board of Directors on Aug. 6, ending his nearly two-year run as director of the historic downtown Sandpoint theater.
Talbott released a statement thanking the community for its support and lauding the theater’s achievements in the past couple of years.
“It has been a great honor to serve the Sandpoint community as the director of the Panida Theater,” Talbott wrote. “It is a space and institution that is near and dear to my heart, its value to our community is immeasurable and I couldn’t be more proud of what has been accomplished in the last 21 months of my tenure thanks to an amazing staff and dedicated group of volunteers.”
Robb Talbott speaks at the Heartwood Center in 2019. Photo by Lyndsie Kiebert-Carey.
Talbott wrote that the Panida had hosted 220 events and brought approximately 55,000 customers through the doors under the iconic marquee under his leadership.
“Some of those events included the Panida Mom’s Gala, Summer Theater Camp, the return of Jim Messina, $5 films and many productions put on by local dance studios, theater companies and partner nonprofits,” he wrote. “We have also built a robust organizational and professional structure to support these events, helping the theater in its evolution as a space for entertainment and education.”
Talbott said that beyond the events and programming, he sees the Panida as a centerpiece that draws together the community — including staff, volunteers, patrons and artists.
“It is these relationships and shared vision for a healthy and strong community that preserves the ability of the Panida to remain relevant and viable,” he stated.
Talbott said he wishes the theater great success moving forward.
“It has been made clear that it is time for me to step aside and to allow the board to pursue their vision for the Panida’s future,” he wrote. “I remain hopeful that their solutions will be the next step forward for the Panida.
“Thank you to the staff, volunteers and Sandpoint community for the opportunity to be part of this treasured nonprofit and theater,” Talbott added. “I am forever grateful to count myself among the many individuals who have dedicated themselves to preserve and support the legacy of this historic space as a center of entertainment, education and community involvement.”
The Panida Board told the Reader that it had received the letter but had not yet accepted it as of press time. They will consider it at the Thursday, Aug. 7 meeting.
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